Members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, Zamfara State, held a protest on Monday, criticizing what they called poor governance under Governor Dauda Lawal.
The protesters voiced strong opposition to Governor Dauda Lawal, claiming that the previous administration under Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle offered better economic opportunities, job creation, and security.
They accused the current governor of neglecting citizens’ welfare, worsening hunger, and imposing candidates in local elections against the people’s wishes.
Throughout the demonstration, participants expressed a preference for former Governor Bello Matawalle, whom they described as more responsive to the needs of the people.
“We miss former Governor Matawalle. At least he cared for the people. We’re calling on him to run in the next election, and we will vote for him,” Ibrahim remarked, as fellow demonstrators echoed their agreement.
Led by PDP local leader Muhammad Ibrahim Talatar Marafa, the protesters gathered at the local government headquarters to express their dissatisfaction with the current administration. They accused the governor of prioritizing personal luxury over the well-being of the residents.
“We are tired of Governor Dauda’s policies. The people are suffering; hunger is rampant and has worsened. Meanwhile, the governor lives a lavish lifestyle, ignoring the plight of the ordinary citizen,” Ibrahim said.
The protesters further accused the governor of interfering in the party’s internal processes by imposing candidates in recent local elections, arguing that this move undermined democratic values.
According to Ibrahim, “This is not democracy, the people’s choice was ignored. It seems as though Dauda is focused only on advancing his personal agenda, rather than addressing the needs of Zamfara.”
Alongside concerns about electoral interference, the protesters warned of rising insecurity, noting that the region is increasingly vulnerable to bandit attacks. They also voiced frustration over escalating food prices and widespread economic hardship.
“The hunger here has only worsened, and no solution seems to be in sight,” one protester commented. “People are suffering from hunger.”
These issues may have driven Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gummi, a Federal House of Representatives member for Gummi/Bukkuyum Constituency, to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Lawal’s actions, the protesters argued, could spell trouble for the PDP in Zamfara, with more defections likely to follow.
